Peace Of Mind With The Best CCTV Systems
The latest crime statistics that are available in South Africa show that criminals have moved away from housebreaking and are increasingly targeting businesses. The theft of assets and the danger of harm to employees is one of the foremost concerns for businesses across the country and for this reason many organisations are choosing to install the best CCTV systems on their business premises to mitigate against the possibility of unauthorised entry to their businesses, as well as store data on any possible criminal activity.
By installing the best CCTV systems the organisation can ensure that disruptions to day to day business processes are kept to a minimum and that criminals are deterred from entering the business premises. The recording of the data from state of the art CCTV systems also allows claims against theft and damage to be processed more quickly than might otherwise be the case and can assist authorities in prosecuting those responsible for any criminal activity.
CCTV systems can provide businesses with the best surveillance capability to prevent not only the theft of property but also in the reduction of white collar crime. By combining access controls which monitor the use of peripherals and prevent access to sensitive databases with CCTV footage the organisation will ensure a highly effective deterrent to white collar crime which can be even more damaging to the operations of the company.
Perhaps the most important decision that faces any company that wants to install a CCTV system is to choose from the many systems that are available on the market today. The best CCTV systems make use of cutting edge technology and can make infra red, motion sensing and other types of CCTV systems available to the company at highly competitive prices and with extensive guarantees that will ensure that the company is maximising its return on investment.
Buying the Best Surveillance Monitoring Systems
The best CCTV and surveillance monitoring systems adhere to extremely stringent engineering standards and are continually evolving to provide business owners with solutions that have been tried and tested in real world situations. Companies such as Samsung, Bosch, Axis and Pelco Endura have built worldwide reputations based on the quality of their security solutions including high definition, reliable CCTV security cameras and turnkey security solutions based on their technology.
Your surveillance monitoring systems solution provider will be able to install and maintain the best CCTV systems that are suitable to your company’s unique requirements. The professional consultants from companies like IDtek will also be able to offer advice on other security products that will enhance the functionality and deterrent capability of these CCTV systems.
Sagem Security is a world leader in the design and production of biometric solutions for comprehensive building management and integrated security. These security solutions are created to provide the best in access control both in the physical environment as well as for protection of data an information on a variety of computer software and hardware systems.
Biometric Security Solutions
There are a wide range of biometric products to choose from in the Sagem security range. The most popular choice consists of fingerprint scanning and identification products. Fingerprint biometrics can be used for employees, members as well as visitors to any premises.
Fingerprints are unique in that they surpass other types of fingerprint scanners in their operation. There are three main options in the fingerprint scanner range. The MorphoTop scanner is mainly used in civil applications as security solutions and provides instant scanning technology for all ten fingers. The wider screen scanning surface allows four fingerprints on one hand to be scanned in one go while the thumbprints are scanned separately. This scanner is ideal in applications for identification documents such as passports, driver’s licenses, etc.
The MorphoSmart MSO 1300 series scanner form Sagem Security is a single fingerprint identification scanner and although it can be used for fixed applications this little scanner offers portable security solutions. The scanner is normally used by security companies and law enforcement agencies at events or in situations where fingerprints must be taken there and then. The scanner is also compatible for use with a smart card reader or scanner.
Corporate Security Fingerprint Scanners
The MorphoSmart MSO 300 series scanner from Sagem Security is more suitable for use in fixed environments where corporate security is a priority. The scanner is also a single fingerprint scanner and can be and uses and optical sensor to produce high resolution images. While the unit can be integrated with other software and hardware system solutions, the MSO 300 can be used in a standalone capacity.
This basically means that the fingerprint scanner will not only compare fingerprint images to data that has already been stored but will actually provide you with a storage function. In other words, new fingerprints that are scanned can be added to the database storage facility that is part and parcel of this innovative fingerprint scanner design. The data base storage feature has the capacity to store a large amount fingerprint data that can be easily accessed meaning that this scanner is easy to use.
We have all watched movies where a fingerprint scanner has been fooled. In reality, regular fingerprint scanners can be tricked in a number of ways. For corporate security situations where a higher level of security is required the fingerprint vein scanner is an ideal option. This scanner not only scans the fingerprint of a user but will also scan the under lying veins to form an integrated picture of a finger. In the same way fingerprints are unique to each and every one of us, the distribution of the vein network beneath the skin are also specific to an individual.
However, so as not to become confused when looking for these products it is important to note that Sagem Security has now adopted the Morpho name as their own and is now trading as such. After 2005 the group traded as Sagem Morpho but can be referred to as either these days. Both these companies fall under the Safran group of companies and are dedicated to the development and production of innovative and high quality security solutions and products for corporate security as well as a variety of other applications.
Many corporate companies and organisations prefer to outsource their security and building management systems. Internal security solutions can often be a problem as it is a proven fact that employees are the most likely to steal from a company whether this theft is physical, financial or the intellectual property of a company. Outsourcing comes with its own problems but it eliminates the internal theft element and is much more convenient than private security options.
However, it is very important to be meticulous in your choice of security company to outsource your building management systems to. Not only must they have a good reputation but their staff must be reliable and trustworthy and the security products they use must be innovative and up to date with the latest technological advancements.
These products should provide you with a number of security solutions for your building management systems. All products must be fully integrated so that they can operate in conjunction with one another and not only as separate entities. Products should include an alarm system, fire management system, CCTV or other security monitoring equipment as well as arrange of different access control products.
Access control products can be used to allow physical access to your premises as well as restrict access to certain areas within your premises. These products can also be used in conjunction with your software or hardware system to limit access to specific data or to restrict the ways in which the computer systems are used. All these security products are electronic in nature and outsourcing your building management will ensure that each product is used correctly.
Electronic Security Systems
One of the first things that you need to ensure when investing in security systems is that they have some sort of back-up power supply. Most electronics are need to tap into the building’s electricity supply and do not come with any back units. Some security products are battery operated but this has the disadvantage of having to ensure that the batteries are always fully charged for the product to operate.
You can choose products that have a back-up battery power supply. These batteries should be rechargeable so that they are charged every time there is an electricity supply to the security product in question. Alternatively you can opt to have a generator integrated into your building management systems to provide power should the electricity supply be interrupted for any reason whatsoever.
The generator you choose should have an automatic switching system to ensure that it kicks in the moment that the power supply is interrupted. There should be no or very little delay between the electricity interruption and the generator beginning to supply the power. The generator should be dedicated to the electronic security systems and not power any other elements in the building. Make sure that the power supply capacity is in excess of that required by the security systems.
Always remember to have your electronic security systems installed professionally. Make sure that you get a guarantee for the products as well as the workmanship involved. This will cover any costs related to products that were installed incorrectly or not functioning as they should to provide you with comprehensive security measures.
Your building management security outsource provider should offer you a professional installation as part of the services they offer. You can also find out whether they will provide you with regular maintenance checks for all your security products and equipment. This will ensure that any problems with the building management systems’ equipment are detected early and that all elements of the system are functioning optimally at all times.
CCTV IP Monitoring Equipment And Accessories
CCTV IP cameras are unique as they do not require dedicated monitoring equipment to be attached to them electronically or remotely. These closed circuit television cameras use an internet protocol to send the images that are received to an internet device. These devices include mobile phones, computers and laptops that have internet capabilities.
The advantages of CCTV IP cameras are numerous. Chief amongst these is that you can view live streaming from the cameras at any time of day or night no matter where you are as long as you are connected to the internet. You will also not have to have an employee or security guard monitoring the footage on an ongoing basis.
In addition, all images received by these IP cameras can be saved as data on the monitoring internet device you are using. However this is not really possible with mobile phone devices as the device will not have enough memory capacity to store the information. The stored images can then be viewed at a later date and back-up to provide you with the images as and when they are needed.
Recorded data from CCTV IP cameras can be used as means to lay a charge against any person engaging in criminal activity caught by the cameras. Footage can also be used to prosecute any offenders and used as evidence in a court of law.
Accessories for Security Cameras
There are many different types of accessories that you can get in a package with your CCTV IP cameras or purchase as optional extras. One of these is an infrared optical lens that monitors heat signatures and can send images of the area of coverage to your internet device in the dark. This accessory is ideally used with a day night switch which will turn the infrared capability on whenever it becomes too dark for normal viewing.
The infrared lens and the day night switch are perfect for use in outdoor areas, spaces that are not well lit or areas where lights are turned on and off frequently. However, it is important that you ensure that outdoor CCTV IP cameras are suited to the environmental conditions. The cameras should be water proof as well as UV resistant.
You can also attach a motion detector to your CCTV cameras. This is especially suitable when using cameras that are battery operated to save the power supply in the battery unit. This means that the camera will not send live video streaming unless it is activated manually or when the motion sensor detects any movement within the area covered by the security cameras.
Just because CCTV IP cameras can send live feed through the internet does not necessarily limit them to this type of monitoring. Dedicated monitors can also be attached to give you the benefit of being able to view the footage on your computer as well as having the images monitored as often as you wish. You can choose to have just a monitor or an internet monitoring device or you can choose to have a combination of these.
Magnetic door locks are the way to go when you want to improve all access control and security measures in your working environment. Magnetic locks can are suitable for use with normal doors, security gates and other accesses and are very affordable when compared to conventional types of security door locks.
Access Control
In any office environment it is very important to control the coming and going of people within the workspace. This includes controlling the movements of employees as well as visitors to the premises. There are a number of ways in which to enhance security access control measures.
One of these ways is by using password controlled keypads in conjunction with magnetic locks. A predetermined password is simply entered into a keypad that will send an electronic signal to the magnetic door locks to open. If the incorrect password is entered, the door will remain locked and access will not be granted.
Another security product for access control in the workplace is an ID card reader. ID cards have magnetic strips attached to them which can be swiped through the reader to allow access in the same way the password controlled keypad works. Some companies prefer to use a keypad in conjunction with the magnetic strip ID card reader to enhance security measures.
Smart card readers can also be implemented as an access control measure with magnetic door locks. A smart card has a computer chip inserted that can hold a limited amount of data regarding the card holder. These cards are suitable where different levels of access control are necessary in any given environment.
Biometrics can also be used in conjunction with magnetic door locks.
Biometrics
Biometrics refers to security products that use the human body as a means of identification to allow or prevent access to specified areas. The most well known biometric device is a fingerprint scanner. A person simply holds their finger over the scanner which reads the print then accesses a database. If the print is contained in the database, access will be granted.
Fingerprint scanners have been updated to include vein scanning technology. These scanners take an image of both the print and the veins that lie directly beneath the skin. This gives you a higher level of security which is much less likely to be tricked or conned into granting unauthorised persons access to restricted areas.
Hand mapping is another form of biometrics that has been successfully integrated with magnetic door lock technology. Hand mapping charts the size, dimensions and other details that are contained in a specific hand. A hand scanner is more advanced than fingerprint technology.
Iris scanners are also becoming more popular for access control with magnetic door locks. In the same way each person has a unique fingerprint, the iris is singular to each of us. Copying or duplicating the iris for unauthorised entry is much more difficult than copying other features that are used in biometrics for access control.
The technology involved in protecting business premises has undergone a quantum leap in recent years. No longer do the captains of industry depend upon a guard with a book of tear-off slips and a pen to keep track of the comings and goings of staff and clients. Likewise retailers have ceased to depend upon the sharp eyes of shop-walkers in plain clothes to keep a watch on the activities of shoplifters and pickpockets. Today’s range of sophisticated corporate security products are less reliant upon human interventions being based mainly on smart PC software and electronic hardware to get the job done.
The first measure employed to tighten security usually involves controlling the entries and exits of staff and visitors. Access cards and codes on keypads have shown themselves to be easily bypassed by collusion between employees and, even though not necessarily for criminal or fraudulent purposes, the loophole needed addressing.
The new generation of access control products makes use of biometric data such as fingerprints to identify individuals and thus eliminate the risk of a system bypass. Some systems may measure a second parameter such as temperature as an additional safeguard.
The All-Seeing Eye
Instead of floor-walkers, the retailer now has access to powerful new video surveillance systems that use cameras installed at strategic locations to send continuous footage of their customer’s and staff’s activities to a control room where they are displayed on a series of TV monitor screens.
Cameras may be fixed and focussed on a single area such as a display cabinet containing expensive jewellery or may be constantly panning to pick up random events. A remote operator can normally take control of the moveable cameras in order to follow the actions of an individual suspect.
Their unobtrusive nature and high definition capability make modern surveillance cameras infinitely more effective than live observers on foot and have the advantage of operating in many places at one time.
Clearly today’s corporate security products are more capable and more reliable than ever. Contact us for superior products and support from experienced professionals.
Corporate Security Solutions For Oversight And Access Control
The cost of maintaining a business is already considerable and an effective security system may often be seen as high until one compares it with the potential cost of an inadequate system or of having no system at all. Keeping an eye on ones assets both material and human is an important part of a company’s responsibility and doing so effectively can pay big dividends. Substantially improved productivity and profits are achievable when adopting one of today’s powerful corporate security solutions.
Modern security procedures rely less on the human element than in the past and the new focus is on innovative electronics and software. The two requirements most commonly sought by companies are a means to control access to and from one or more areas and the ability to maintain a round-the-clock watch over premises, people and proceedings.
These two key services form the basis for most effective security strategies and although there are certainly some strong advantages in employing them jointly, they may also be implemented individually where a company’s needs or its means may be more limited.
Who Goes There?
Modern access control systems have progressed far beyond the simple act of keying in security codes or swiping access cards both of which are widely known to be vulnerable to fraudulent use as a result of collusion. The new generation uses highly specific biometric data to control movements that allow the access of any person, once on the system, to be controlled at any time.
Fingerprints, voice prints, retinal and iris patterns are just some of the biometric parameters employed in these sophisticated control systems that may also be used as a far more effective means of timekeeping than the traditional clock cards.
What’s He Doing?
Once admitted, the subsequent actions of both personnel and clients may then be scrutinised closely with surveillance cameras that serve to deter petty theft and unproductive or potentially hazardous behaviour.
The benefits to safety, productivity and profits of modern corporate security solutions are self-evident. Contact us for industry-leading, guaranteed products to protect your business.
Corporate Surveillance Cameras Are Always At Your Service
Whether premises are in use for banking purposes or devoted to retail services, maintaining their security and that of the employees and clients that inhabit these premises has always been important and, with the unfortunate upsurge in crime in our cities, has become even more so today. While, in the past, it may have been enough to depend upon the services of a security guard or two to act as a deterrent, today, only corporate surveillance cameras can really provide a round-the-clock, reliable monitoring service.
A typical installation will consist of a number of cameras located at strategically important points, each of which outputs its signal over a closed network to a battery of monitor screens located in an observation room. Since no signal is broadcast, the closed circuit arrangement hinders attempts to pervert the system or to render it inoperable.
Security on the Move
Some systems employ cameras that support IP addresses and so may be used to stream output by means of the internet to devices not connected to the internal network. These could include mobile phones that allow owners and managers to check their premises out of hours. Such systems may even have software that can call a mobile number automatically and stream the recorded event in response to a triggered alarm.
IP Cameras can prove invaluable when installed in vehicles like the armoured vans used to carry cash and, in some parts of the world, have become a standard security measure in various forms of public transport. Even where a crime may not have been prevented, the stored video record is an aid to the apprehension and prosecution of perpetrators.
Quality and Safety Applications Too
On the factory floor, video cameras are helping companies to maintain production standards and meet their quality control targets. They also serve to ensure that workers conform to the required health and safety standards prescribed for each task, protecting the company from unwarranted liability.
For the best in corporate surveillance cameras and expert advice and support in all aspects of security, contact us.
Understanding And Installing Digital Video Recorders
Digital video recorders are very much like VCR’s except they record and store data to theirown hard drive. They are most often used for security set ups and systems and are a reliable method of surveillance in most companies. The fact that DVR’s record to their own hard drive means that there is more recording space available and no tapes need to be cued. These systems gain access to a menu from a remote server which means that they can be controlled from wherever access to this server is available. Digital video recorders used in the security world require a dedicated phone line and high speed internet access.
Digital video recorders allow for security staff to locate and search for specific scenes and incidents at specific times. They also allow for recording to continue while play back and search functions are being carried out. Most businesses look into installing digital video recorders as part of their CCTV surveillance systems. When being supplied by leading companies such as IDtek Solutions you can expect to be provided with access to the best DVR brands available on the market at the most cost-effective rate. This particular team will even assist you with professionally installing the system for you and ensuring that each of the staff members expected to work with it are shown exactly how to use it. Their incredibly friendly and available after sales service is also known to impress.
IDtek Solutions is a company that likes to encourage business owners to protect the interests and futures of their companies. Ensuring that your company, its assets, profits and staff members are protected is vitally important in this day and age.
If you are seeking out reliable, cost-effective and top quality digital video recorders then contact IDtek Solutions. They will ensure that you are provided with absolutely everything you need to protect your company and its daily running’s today.
Protect Your Company From Loss Through Fingerprint Access Control
Regardless of what type or size company you are looking for, installing the necessary security systems and products is essential if you want to ensure that your building, stock, profits and staff members are safe and secure at all times. Too many companies fall victim to the loss associated with crime, theft and illegal activity that may occur within the business. By installing surveillance systems and access control systems, business owners can sleep easier at night. Fingerprint access control systems have actually grown in popularity over the past few years as they are an extremely efficient and effective method of controlling who has access to the business premises of not.
One particular leading supplier of fingerprint access control systems is IDtek Solutions. This supplier focuses a great deal of its attention on making sure that its clients are only presented with security systems that are of the best quality and made available at the best rate. They stock reputable brands such as Sagem, Impro, Honeywell and Lenel and will go out of their way to professionally install and set up the system for you.
Fingerprint access control systems require for each employee allowed access to the business premises and information to be processed. This means that their fingerprints are scanned, stored and personal information attached to these. Security and management staff will then be able to set limitations on what each of these employees is authorised to do and access within the business. It is also a great way to track each staff member’s time and attendance and so also assistance payroll functions.
The Benefits Of Biometric Access Controls Are Numerous
Before examining the many benefits of biometric access controls it is worth taking some time to review more traditional security measures. High crime rates in our suburbs and city centres have seen a huge growth in the number of CCTV cameras in both public and private use while both home and business owners are taking steps to govern access to their premises. The latter is often simply a boom at which a guard is seated and armed with a book in which the details of visitors are then written.
Although lacking the benefits of biometric access controls, a rather more advanced system in which an identity card must be swiped in order to gain entry to a building and perhaps even to certain restricted areas within that building remains widely used. Alternative systems may require a code to be entered via a keypad, either alone or in addition to swiping a card.
Although the latter may seem very secure, all of these methods are subject to human error or fraud through identity theft or collaboration and it is in this respect that the benefits of biometric access controls such as those supplied by IDtek are greatest.
How Does it Work?
Instead of using magnetic strips, bar codes or keypad entries, access is controlled by recording some unique biological detail of a person and making a computer comparison with stored data. A match will reveal the identity of the individual and grant access only if that person is authorised.
The measurement process is known as biometrics and makes use of unique data such as fingerprints, retinal and iris patterns among others. It is this natural uniqueness from which the benefits of biometric access controls derive.
The first step in setting up access involves enrolment when data is captured from individuals of proven identity and stored. The stored data may be used in two ways. For verification of identity, an ID card is presented and the biometric parameter used to confirm that the card user is the card owner. In identification mode, the biometric data alone is read and compared to display the matching identity.
The use of such systems for monitoring time and attendance offers one of the greatest benefits of biometric access controls. IDtek offers systems that read a fingerprint and compare it with that previously stored rather than stamping an employee card. This totally eliminates the practice of “buddy clocking” that is used by some employees to defraud companies by avoiding any reduction in their income while enjoying unauthorised absence.
As well as offering better security, biometric systems are also very versatile and can be used in many applications where other systems would not work. Adding further to the basic benefits of biometric access controls, is the ability to fix the exact position of an employees or visitor within your building at any time as well as to define the areas that he or she may and may not access and even to restrict the operation of certain machinery to particular staff. The use of biological data for security is growing and the scope for further development defines it as the future technology of the industry.
Contact IDtek Solutionsand discuss your options with one of their dedicated and experienced staff members who will ensure that your every need is taken care of at a rate that you can afford.